High-pressure apparatus



P. W. BRIDGMAN ETAL March 6, 195] HIGH-PRESSURE APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet1 Filed Nov. 22, 1946 M 2 A z MWWPW G M5. mfi f WE Dv 5W PHMM h D 5%llull- March 6, 1951 P. w. BRIDGMAN ETAL 2,544,414

' HIGH-PRESSURE APPARATUS -5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 22, 1946 PERCYVV. BRIDE/MAN RAYMUNJJ R. R/JJEWAY EDWARD VAN DER F'YL.

P. w. BRIDGMAN EIAL 2,544,414

HIGH-PRESSURE APPARATUS March 6, 1951 Filed Nov. 22, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet3 PERCY ERIDEMAN RAYMOND R. R/DGVVAV EDWARD VAN DER F'YL March 6, 1951P. w. BRIDGMAN ETAL HIGH-PRESSURE APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov.22, 1946 PERCY VV. BRIIIGMAN RAYMUNE R. R!

EDWARD 1 pointed out hereinafter."

fiatented Mar. 6, 195i t me omcr.

1 HIGH-PRESSURE'AP PARA TUS Percy W. Bridgmanrcaiirbridg e, Mass,Raymond R. Ridgway; Niagara Falls, Van der Pyl, Holden, Mass,

N. Y.', and Edward assignors, by direct and mesne assignments'to NortonCompany, Worcester, Mass., a" corporation of Massachusetts f ApplicationNovember 22, 1946, Serial No. 711,510

25Clai1ns.

I" :Thisinvention relates to high pressure appa- "ratus and with regardto its more specific 'fea- 'tures including apparatus for heating tohigh temperatures.

1""One object of the inventionisto provide'a "quick acting auxiliaryramon a high pressure ram, the auxiliary ram working under low pressure]and through a long distance, for quickly transferring a specimen to amold thereafter to apply to it high pressure; Another object is toprovide means for heating a specimen electrically and means'for pressingthe 'specimen before it has -cooled. Another object is to provideapparatus automatically to buttress a ram head-after Tit'has moved sothat great pressure can be-applied thereto from a high pressure ram."Another object is' to. provide a structure of press ram and .blockswhich will transmit-a tremendous force to .a small piston or ram.Another object-is to pro- ,vide a combination of mold and a small pistonto enter the mold with very strong reinforcing :means for the mold andsupporting means for "the'fpiston. Another object is to provide anarrangementof mold and rams operating under great pressure but soorganized as to permit ready {1d assembly. j I

1 "other objectof the'invention' is to provide a pair of electrodesfor'heating a specime uto- 'matic means for moving the specimen awa fromthe electrodes, and a powerful press tosubject fthe jjspecimen to verygreat pressure before it has cooled." Another object is to providecompact ilapparatus for heating,"transferring and pressing."aigs'pecimen. 'Anotherobj'ect, in a'heavy hydraulic vfpresshaving aheavy cavity block, is to provide a fquick acting ram" to lift the Otherobjects will bein part obvious or in part p The invention accordingly"consists inv the features 'of construction, combinations of elements,

arrangements of partsfand'in the several steps and relation and order ofeach of said steps to one illustratively described "the application ofwhich will be indicated in the following claims. In the accompanying ofmany possible embodiments of the mechanical features of the press andcontrols pressure molding apparatus,

5 Figure 1 is a 5;. Fis re2 or more of the others thereof, all as willbe herein and the scope of drawings illustrating one therefor and frontelevation of the press;

is a side elevation'of the press; Figure 3 is a fragmentary verticalcross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 7;

j Figure fl is a fragmentary vertical cross'secblock into an anvil.-

I it

located on the heavy vertical steel shafts 22 and similar nuts 25 Q-Jarslocated on the upper screw threaded ends of j'these shafts 22. Thus theiron cap 24 and the giron base areheld in spaced relation to each nasalview-on'an enlarged scale taken along the Figure 5 is a large scaledetail of one end ofa Figure '7 is a plan of the press;

- Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical axial sectional'view on an enlargedscale of the main ram, auxiliary ram, specimen ram and associated parts;

. Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical axial section'al' view on anenlarged scale of the cavity block and reinforcing plates therefor, andof the 'moldparts and plug;

- -Figure 10is a horizontal cross sectional view taken along the linel0-l0 of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a horizontal cross sectional view itakenalong the line H-ll ofFigure 1;

\ a Figure 12 is a fragmentary plan v1ew of an ad- ;justable gear of thearmrsynchronizing gears for the electrode arms and the ram block arms;

L. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic pressure systemwhich actuates the main hydraulic ram, the auxiliary hydraulic ram, theelectro dearms and the ram block support arms.

the operating press has a massive iron base 20 Figure 13 isan elevationof a specimen;

Referripgfirst to Figures 1, 2,7, 10, and 11,

having four massive projections 2! through which extend four heavyvertical steel shafts 22 that d upwardly through four projections 23 ofavma ssive iron cap 24.

Gigantic nuts 25 are lower screw threaded ends of the other with'astructural strength capable of resisting hundreds of tons of pressuretrying to lforce them apart. To uphold the dead weight of the cap 24shoulders 21 are provided on the shafts 22, while to prevent the base 29from rising on the shafts 22 due to reaction, rebound, vibration or anyunforeseen cause, shoulders 28 are provided on these shafts 22.

, Held down by the cap 24 is a series of circular heavy steel plates 30(five being shown) which taken by ing through lugs formed on the cap 24,Nuts 35 and 36 hold the parts together. Sleeves 36a made of brass may beinterposed between the top nu.s 38 and the lugs 34 for cushioningrebound when the high pressure is released.

The apparatus of the invention in one of its aspects includes a largemain hydraulic piston or ram 31, rectilinearly operated to move ver-.

tically upward to apply pressure, a smaller auxiliary hydraulic pistonor ram 38 operating rectilinearly in a cylindrical bore 31a in the ram31 and, mounted upon the auxiliary ram 38, a specimen piston or ram 39of small diameter upon which is concentrated the entire tremendouspressure of the apparatus. The specimen 29 (Figure 13) in the cavityblock 3| is compressed at pressures approaching 450,000 pounds persquare inch by the action of fluid oil under pressure upon the mainhydraulic ram 31 acting through the specimen ram 39.

' Referring to Figures 1, 2, '3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13, the apparatusof the invention includes two heavy heating electrodes 40 and 40amounted upon a pair of electrode supporting arms .4! and 4 I a which aremounted upon two cylindrical vertical supporting bars or stanchions 42and 42a. These arms 4| and 410. are actuated to swing horizontally apartand together angularly about the axes of the vertical supporting bars orstanchions 42 and 42a, by a small piston and cylinder unit 43 and aresynchronized by gears 44 and Me, the latter being adjustably mounted.The electrodes 40 and We may be swung toward each other to cause contactsurfaces 45 thereof to grip a specimen 29 thus enabling the specimen tobe heated to temperatures of the order of 2500 C. by the passage ofelectric current through it. The electrode arms 4| and 4m are wellinsulated from the vertical supporting bars 42 and 42a by means of fibresleeves 42b and a fibre collar 42c, and the.-

synchronous gears 44 and 44a are made of resinoid or othernon-conducting material. Electric current is supplied to the electrodesand 40a through two flexible bus bars 411) and Me attached to the rearends of the electrode arms 4| and 4Ia. Steel collars 42d on the bars 42and 42a support the weight of the arms 4| and 4m and parts carriedthereby and provide means for adjusting the arms vertically. Referringto Figures 2 and 3, the bars 42 and42a are supported by brackets 42!;which preferably are insulated by insulation 42! from the press.

One of the several steps of operation of the apparatus of the inventionis to place a specimen 'to which heat and pressure are to be applied,

between the electrodes which are swung together against it. The specimenmay be cylindrical in .shape, of the order of 1 inches in diameter andof varying length. The specimen is held at the locus of the closedelectrodes and then the electrode cylinder and piston unit43 is actuatedto cause the electrodes to grip the specimen. Current is then appliedthrough the electrodes and the specimen is brought to the desiredtemperature. Pressure is then applied to the auxiliary ram from thehydraulic system hereinafter described, causing it to rise and pick upthe specimen. Simultaneously a switchis automatically tripped by an armcarried by the auxiliary ram 38 causing the electrode arms to spread andrelease the specimen. The auxiliary ram continues up and inserts thespecimen ram and specimen into the cavity block 3| and against its innersurface. At this stage, in a manner hereinafter 7 described, a pair ofsplit blocks46 and aare inserted between the main ram and the auxiliaryram to form a solid column of metal between the main ram and thespecimen so that high pressure may be exerted directly by the main ramupon the specimen 29. Then the high pressure is applied.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, 10, 11, and 12, pivotally mounted upon thecylindrical bars 42 and 42a are a pair of arms 41 and 41a which areconnected by a cylinder and piston unit 48. Fluid oil operates this unit48 both to separate said arms 41 and 41a and to bring them together.When they come together they move the split blocks into position to formthe solid column of metal above referred to. Gears 49 and 49asynchronize the arms 4'! and 41a, the gear 49a being adjustably mountedon its arm 41a. Mounted upon the arm 41 is a trip switch 5|, and mountedupon the arm 41a is an adjustable operating rod 52. When the arms 41 and41a have moved the split blocks into position as above described the rod52 has just actuated the trip switch 5 I, which, in a manner hereinafterdescribed, applies high pressure to the main ram 31. Steel collars 49bon the bars 42 and 42a support the arms 41 and 41a and provide forvertical adjustment.

One manner by which pressure may be generated in the hydraulic fluid toactuate the various rams of the apparatus is by the use of ahydropneumatic accumulator, an air compressor and air compression tank,an auxiliary low pressure hydro-pneumatic tank, a pair of low pressurehydro-pneumatic tanks, and a valve system consisting of solenoidoperated, hand operated and pressure relief valves, together with highand low pressure oil fluid lines, and air pressure lines.

Referring now to Figure 14, air is taken through an air cleaner 53 bypipe line 54 into an air compressor 55 where it is compressed and sentby pipe line 56 through a check valve 51, thence through a pipe line 58which branches, a pipe line 60 leading through a hand operated valve 6|and thence into a large compressed air storage tank 62 there being apressure relief valve 63 in the line 60. Connected to the line 60 is apipe 64 running to a hand-operated valve 65 and extending into an aircylinder 66 of an accumulator 67. There is a by-pass pipe 68 which has ahand-operated valve 69, between the pipe 58 from the air compressor 55and the pipe 64 between valve 65 and accumulator cylinder 66. Thus airmay be pumped by the compressor 55, accumulated in the compression tank62 under pressure, and thence lead into the accumulator cylinder 66where it actuates a piston 10 of large diameter or air may be sentdirect from the compressor 55 to the accumulator Bl for testing purposesand the like. Another branch H of the pipe 58 from the compressor 55 hasa hand-operated valve 12, and a pressure relief valve 13, and

is connected to the top of an expansion tank 14 which is partiallyfilled to various depths with hydraulic fluid oil, as hereinafterexplained, and upon which air pressure may be maintained. In the pipe llbetween the hand-operated valve 12 vand the tank 14 there is ahand-operated air exhaust valve 15. The expansion tank vided in the linewith the main tank which time the air valve is set to exhaust.

Also, leading oil the air compressor pipe 58 is another pipe 16 leadingthrough a hand-operated valve 11, thence branching off through twohandoperated valves 19 and 99 into the top of two expansion or pressuretanks 8! and 92 which are partially filled at varying depths with fluidoil against which air pressure may be maintained for purposeshereinafter explained. The tanks 8I and 92 are part of the auxiliary lowpressure ram system and control valve pressure system. In the pipes fromvalves 19 and 89 to tanks BI and 82 respectively, are two pressurerelief valves 83 and 84 at the tank tops. Pipes 85 and 86 at the top oftanks 8! and 82 connect to handoperated valves 81 and 8,9 and merge intoa pipe 89. The pipe 89 connects to the fluid exhaust outlet pipes 99,BI, 92 and 93 of four solenoid operatedvalves 94, 95, 96 and 91, whosefunction and pperation will be hereinafter explained. From the bottom ofthe pressure tanks 9| and 82 pipes 98 and 99 connect to hand-operatedvalves I99 and I9I and then merge into a pipe I92 to lead the fluid topressure intake pipes I93, I94, I95 and I96 of each of the solenoidoperated valves 94, 95, 96 and 91. Each of said pressure intake pipes iscontrolled by hand-operated valves I91, I98, I99 and H9 respectively.Between tanks 8| and 82 runs a by-pass pipe III having handoperatedvalves II2 and H3 between which is connected an air exhaust pipe I I4.

Thus by alternate settings of hand-operated valves a system of high andlow pressure or pressure side and exhaust side can be established asbetween the tanks 8I and 82 using them alternatively for fluid oilpressure and exhaust to and 'from the solenoid operated valves 94, 95,96, and

91. While one tank is set for the pressure side compressed air is letinto the top of the tank from the compressor 55 by means of appropriatevalve settings, while the air to the other tank, which is to be used asa fluid oil exhaust is shut ofi. The fluid oil exhaust is by way ofeither valve 81 or 88. Air pressure on the fluid oil in the pressuretank forces the oil into the line 98 or 99 (depending upon which tank isthe pressure tank) thence to the fluid oil pressure intake pipes I93,I94, I95, and I96 of the solenoid operated valves 94, 95, 96 and 91 byproper valve settings in the line. While the other tank is being usedfor the exhaust return from the solenoid operated valves 94, 95, 96 and91, the valves are set so that oil will flow from the fluid oil exhaustoutlet pipes 99, 9|, 92, and 93 of these solenoid operated valves 94,95, 96, and 91 into the top of the exhaust tank. The line 98 or 99 onthe bottom of the exhaust tank 8| or 82 is closed off by either valveI99 or I9I depending upon which tank is the oil receiving tank, and theair exhaust valve either II2 or II3, depending upon which tank is theoil receiving tank, is operated so as to exhaust the air through exhaustH4 at atmospheric pressure as the exhaust tank fills with oil exhaustedfrom the solenoid operated valves 94, 95, 96 and 91.

Referring still to Figure 14, the main hydraulic ram or piston 31 isactuated by fluid oil placed 'under extremely high pressure by theaccumulaa stationary hollow piston I I1, and when the cylinder-H6 movesdown it places fluid oil in the cylinder H6 and piston II1 under greatpressure, driving it out through a pipe line II8, through the mainhydraulic control valve I I9 if it is open, thence through a pipe lineI29 into a cylinder I2 I which contains the main ram 31. When valve H9is closed the main ram 31 is held stationary in position. When valve I I9 is placed in exhaust position, the fluid oil from the main ramcylinder I2I flows out through pipe I29 through valve I I9, thencethrough an exhaust pipe I22 into the bot tom of the expansion tank 14which may fill with oil provided the air exhaust valve 15 is open'. Thisallows the main hydraulic ram 31 to recede in its cylinder I2I.

The expansion tank 14, besides being areservoir to receive oil when theram 31 is lowered, can be used to refill the accumulator 61 and also tomove the main ram 31 upwards to its starting position (which is somewhatabove its bottom position). To perform the first of these rune-- tionsthetank 14 is placed under air pressure from the compressor 55 and theoil then flows by way of the pipe I22 and a check valve I23 to a branchI I8a of the pipe I I8, thence through pipe H8 into the accumulator 61.To perform the other function, oil from the tank 14 flows via pipe I22,check valve I23 through a branch pipe H81) and a hand operated valve I24to the cyllnder I2I.

Referring still to Figure 14, the main hydraulic ram control valve H9which controls the flow of fluid oil under pressure to the main ram 31Is actuated by a piston 9:1 in a cylinder II9b which in turn is actuatedby hydraulic pressure from one or the other of the tanks 8| and 82- inthe valve control system depending upon which tank is the pressure tank.The valve I I9 is operated by the double solenoid operated valve 94 toclosed or neutral position, pressure position, or exhaust position. Whenone solenoid I25 of valve 94 is energized the other I26 is de-energizedand vice-versa. When solenoid I25 is energized and solenoid I26 isde-energized, a pipe I21 is connected to pressure and a pipe I23 is opento exhaust. The pressure in pipe I21 actuates piston 9a positioningvalve H9 in the pressure position. Fuid oil pressure may then flow fromaccumulator 61 through pipe II8 to valve H9, and into pipe I29 toactuate and drive the main hydraulic ram. When solenoid I26 is energizedand solenoid I25 is de-energized, fluid oil pipe I I8 is closed andfluid from the cylinder I2I of the main hydraulic ram flows through pipeI29 into valve II9 exhausting through line I22 into the expansion tank14. When valve H9 is in its mid position as shown in Figure 14 it isclosed, and oil can not pass through it in any direction.

For the energization of the solenoids I25 and I26 there are provided arelay I29 having terminals I39 and I3I and a'snap switch I32.- A

pair of A. C. lines I33 and I34 constitute the source of electricalenergy for the solenoids I25, I26 and for the relay I29 as well as forother electrical circuits and devices to be later described. From lineI33 a wire I35 leads to snap switch I32 while from snap switch I32 awire I 36 extends to the switch arm of the relay I29. Terminal I39 isconnected by a wire I31 to thesolenoid I25 while terminal I3! isconnected by a wire 538 to the solenoid I26. The circuits are completedto the solenoids I25 and I26 by wires I39 and I49 which are connected toa Wire I4I which extends to the A. 0. line I34. It will now be seen thatwhen the switch arm of the relay I29 makes contact with terminal I39,the solenoid I25 will be "'7 energized, provided the'snap switch I32 iclosed. Similarly. when the switch arm of the relay I29 makes contactwith the terminal I3 I, the solenoid I26 will be energized, provided thesnap switch I32 is closed.

When the relay I29 is energized, the switch arm thereof makes contactwith the terminal I30. When the relay I29 is deenergized, a spring (notshown) causes the switch arm to make contact with the terminal I3I.Energization and deenergization of the relay I29 is controlled by thetrip switch I which, as previously described, is operated by the splitblock support arms 41 and 41a. Still referring to Figure 14, a wire I45extends to relay I29 from the wire I 4| connected toline I34. From theother side of the relay I29 a wire I46 goes to the trip switch 5I whileanother wire I41 extends from the trip switch 5! to a snap switch I48.From the snap switch I48 a wire I49 leads to the wire I36 which isconnected to the snap switch I32 and thence, by wire I35, to the lineI33. Thus the relay I29 is energized whenever all of switches 5I, I32and I46 are closed, otherwise it is de-energized.

Referring still to Figure 14, the manner in which the valve 94 controlsthe valve I I9 and the manner in which the valve II9 controls the flowof fluid will not be more particularly described. It will be rememberedthat the middle bottom pipe I03 supplies fluid under pressure to thevalve 94 and that the top pipe 99 leads to exhaust. The left hand bottompipe I28 goes directly to the left.- hand end of the cylinder II9b. Theright hand bottom pipe I21 goes directly to the right hand end of thecylinder II9b. When the solenoid I25 is energized, pipe I21 is connectedto pressure pipe I03 and pipe I28 is connected to exhaust pipe 90.Conversely when solenoid I26 is energized, pipe I28 is connected to thepressure pipe 03 and pipe I21 is connected to the exhaust pipe 96.

The piston So in the cylinder I I9b is connected by a piston rod I50 toa rock lever I5I which is keyed to a rock shaft I52. A pair of arms I53and I54 form a lever which is also keyed to the rock shaft I52. The armsI53 and IE4 respectively engage adjustment studs I55 and I56 on the endsof the stems of poppet valves E51 and I58. As indicated in Figure 14 thepoppet valve I51 seats between a chamber I59 connected to the pipe H8and a chamber I60, connected to the pipe I20, while the poppet valve I58seats between the chamber I and a chamber I6I con.- nected to the pipeI22. When the trip switch5I is automatically operated, the relay I29 isenergized (if the snap switches I32 and I48 are closed) thus energizinthe solenoid I25, which operates the valve 94 to send the fluid underlow pressure to the right hand side of piston II9a which then moves tothe left, moving arm 158 against stud I55 and opening the poppet valveI51 which connects chambers I59 and I60. But when either of the switches5I and I48 is opened the relay I29 is de-energized so that the solenoidI25 is de-energized while the solenoid I26 is energized provided theswitch I32 is closed, and the valve 94 sends fluid under low pressure tothe left hand side of the piston II9a which moves to the right movingarm I54 against stud I56 and opening the poppet valve I58 which connectschambers I60 and I6I.

Whichever poppet valve I51 or I58 is not positively opened as abovedescribed remains closed. As shown in Figure 14 rods I62 and I63 extendfrom the outside to the inside of the casing of the valve I19 and aresurrounded by springs I64, I65. The rods I62 and I63 engage the heads ofth poppet valves I51 and I58. The springs I64 and I65'engage washers I66and I61 that abut shoulders on the rods l62 and I63 and they also engagecollars I68 and I69 which are slidably mounted on the rods I62 and I63but prevented from rising by adjustment screws I10 and HI extendingthrough a stationary bar I12.

Various ways of holding the rock lever I5I in its median position mightbe adopted but the way actually used has been to provide a removablestop I15 and then set the switches to move the rock lever I5I againstthe stop. A piece of heavy pipe, a crow bar or any other piece of heavyiron can be used for the stop I15. With the rock lever I5I in thismedian position both valves I51 and I58 remain closed.

It will be remembered that the pipe line I02 is a low pressure pipe linewith a branch I04 to the valve 95, a branch I to the valve 96 and abranch I06 to the valve 91. It will also be remembered that the pipe 89is an exhaust pipe and has a branch 9| from the valve 95, a branch 92from the valve 96, and a branch 93 from the valve 91. These valves 95,96 and 91 are structurally identical and are four port piston valves,whereby pressure may be connected to either of two lines and exhaustopened to the other, which of the two lines receives pressure and whichis open to exhaust depending on the position of the piston which hasonly two operating positions. Since such valves are now well known tothe hydraulic arts it has not been deemed necessary to show the crosssectional views. In the case of the valve 95 one of the ports whichsends fluid for operating purposes has been plugged up leaving only oneoperatin port. The valves 96 and. 91 each have two operating ports.

The valve 95 has an operating solenoid I85, the valve 96 has anoperating solenoid I 86 and the valve 91 has an operating solenoid I81.From the A. 0. line I33 a wire I98 leads to a snap switch I99 and fromthe snap switch I99 a wire 200 leads to one end of the windin of thesolenoid I85. From the other end of this winding a wire 20I leads to theA. 0. line I34. Similarly solenoid I86 is controlled by a simple circuitconsisting of wire 202, snap switch 203, wire 204 and wire 205. SolenoidI81 is controlled by a circuit including a wire 206 from A. C. line I33to a snap switch 201, a wire 208 to a trip switch 209, a wire 2I0 fromthe trip switch 209 to the solenoid I81 and a wire 2 from the solenoidI81 to the A. C. line I34.

When the solenoid I85 is energized the valve 95 is operated to connectpressure pipe 104 to a flexible pipe 220 which is connected to a passage22 I in the ram 31, which passage is connected to the cylindrical bore31a containing the auxiliary ram 38. When the solenoid I85 isdeenergized the valve 95 moves to connect the pipe 220 to exhaust pipe9|. When the solenoid I06 is energized the valve 96 is operated to admitfluid from the pressure pipe I05 to a pipe 225 which leads to one end ofthe cylinder 226 of the unit 48, moving the piston 221 in the cylinder226 to contract the unit thus bringing together the block moving arms 41and 41a. At the same time a pipe 228 from the other end of the cylinder226 is connected to exhaust pipe 92 via the valve 96. Conversely, whenthe solenoid I86 is de-energized, pipe I05 is connected to pipe 228while pipe 225 is connected to pipe 92 and the unit 48 expands.

In similar fashion when the solenoid I81 is energized, the pressure pipeI06 is connected to apipe .230 .lea ding---.to. one. .end of.thecylinder 23! offtheunit 43 which connects the'electrode.

ease! gized, the circuit is reversed and the unit 43 contracts.Referring now to1Figures 8 and 14;mounted upon thefltop.of-mainhydraulic ram 31 is 1a rain head 240 which as shown may. be alarge cylindrical block" of cast iron or 'steeljiwith a central hole 24I' through which the auxiliaryram 38- passes. Secured to the top of theauxiliary ram 38 by means of abolt, 242 in an auxiliary ram head 243which mayal'so be a large, cylindrical block of cast iron or steel. Thisram head 243 overlies the ram 38 for a purpose which will presentlyappear. Seated upon the auxiliary ram head 243 is acentering ring 244which positions an annular cylindricalpiece of steel 24.5 in concentricrelat on to the head 243.

The annular piece of steel'245 is a retainer for a block 246 of cementedtungsten carbide or other hard and strong material in which isconcentrated the enormous pressure develo ed by the main ram 31. Thisblock 246 which is a cylinder has smooth end surfaces and the lowersurface thereof rests upon the upper smooth surface .of the ram head243. The cylindrical block2-46 fits with .a nice fit inside the Jannular cylindrical piece of steel 245 which} prevents the: block.246from bursting Qunderjthe'fpreSsure., ""On top 'of the annular piece 245vand the block 246 (which have the same length and therefore present acommon topplanesurface) is. a cenltering plate 241 having a rimMil-overlying the piece 245 and a hub portion 249 with an interior 1Gslst ..the,action-without"splitting the plates. The inner surface 261'for the lower part of the cavity block 3lv is conical but tapered in theopposite direction so that the pressure will not weld thepartsvtogether. Thus despite the use or prese sures'up to 30,000atmospheres it has been pos sible to disassemble the mold parts from thec'avity'block;

l The upper portion 262 of the cavity block 3| is' cylindrical outsideand has a cylindrical screw threaded pore263 inside. The thread ismassive and strong. "Inthe bore is 'a large steel plug 265 which isthreaded 'likewisewith a massive strong thread. The plug 265 has a largehexagonal head 266 by means of which it may be screwed into place withgreat pressureand later removed, Ad .jacentthe threaded bore 263 andbetween it and the conical surface 26! is a cylindrical bore ZB-loflthecavity block 3|.

Fittingin the'cavity block 3| against the coni .c'alsurface 26! thereofare mold parts COmpTiSf "ing', from top to bottom,'a tapered anvilmember .210, a top ,tapered-mold-liner 21l,'a plate 212, ajrefractoryplate 213, an inner refractory liner 214' and a bottom tapered moldliner 215. All of these parts are preferably made of steel except thoseindicated as refractory which may be made .of. any highly refractorymaterial as ceramic bonded alumina or ceramic bonded silicon carhide.The bottom mold liner 215' has a lip 216 outside of which fits, the topmold liner 2' and cylindrical surface in which is seated,thes'nec'isolid right circular, cylinder with bases normal to its axis)is a steel ,disc- 250 which has a lip 25l the outside of which is acontinuation of the cylindrical surface of the disc and the inner sideof which is a portion of aninner conical surface. This disc 250 takesthe full pressure and will expand somewhat thereunder to seal the mold.On top of the steel disc 250 and nicely jfitting it is a ceramic disc,252, the'diamete'r.of which is the same as that ofjthe' disc 250 and.the' specimen ram 39. Formedintegral with the ceramicdisc 252 and ontop-of it, in the center {thereofis a ceramic cone .253... The materialer -the disc 252 and its com 253 may be ceramic bonded alumina" or'silicon carbide; or merely a good grade ofceramic brick, provided it isreasona-bly highly refractory, andmany other refractory materials mightbe used. w

As a means-foraligning the disc 250 on the ram'39 there is provided abrass ring 254 which "merely moves down as the ram-39 goesinto the"Referringnowto Figure 9, thejcavity block 3 ,l;-is a massive; piece 0fsteel having a gently tapered exterior conical surface-260 which-fitsthe taper of the inside of the plates 30. Thus "the pressure causes areaction-which compresses the cavityblock radially and the great widthof the plates 30' provides adequate strength to, re-.

A On top of the specimen .ram 39 (which is a sure of about '85pounds persquare inch is profthisleaves a sh0u1der.jf0r, s eating the refractoryliner-"214. :Thejtaperedy nvil' member 210 has a shoulder 211 on thebottom outside of which the liner 21l'fits. All of' these'partsarespaced from 1thescrewfthreaded plug 265 by means of a cyjlindrical steelplug 280m. the bore 261. The an;- :;vil member 210 has atop surfacewhich is slightly above theibottom of the bore 261 so that the plug 280canlnever bottom andthus no matter how much the screw plug 265 istightened, the thrust is taken by the tapered parts. This entireconstruction permitseasyassembly and disassembly. 7 h r The diameter ofthe piston'lfl'of the accumu later 61 was 32 while the-diameter ofthepiston H1 ofthe accumulator 61 was 5.5. The theoreticalmultiplication of pressure in this accumulator therefore was 33.85. Thediameter of the main ram 31 was 20"while the diameter of the specimenram 39 was 1 This gives a multiplicationof pressure of 177.77. Theproduct of these multiplications of pressure is 60.18. --It follows thattoobtain a pressure of 30,000 atmospheres upon 7 the specimen the tank62 should have a pressure'of 73.4 pounds-per square inch. However'thismakes no allowance for friction in the accumulator and elsewhere, nor'for the weight of the'ram 31; Accordingly,- a presyided-in the-tank 62to obtain 30,000 atmospheres fagainstthespecimen; The pressure of poundsper square inch is by no means a'high pressure and may easily beobtained with a small air comp'ress'or with a driving motor of three'tofive -H. P. which will bring the pressure in the tank .62 up to poundsper square inch in a couple (ofhours; e

The :current through the electrodes 40 and 49a .imayibe derived .from asingle phase line operat- .:ing at 60'cyc1eslwith 230.0 volts pressure.A transformer is used to step'down to 15 volts. The current throughthespecimen has been from 1,000 amperesto- 10,000 amperes. .1

order.v to: distribute," such. high currents 11 through the specimen theelectrodes have a plurality of contact surfaces 45.. These contactsurfaces 45 are on the ends of teeth formed in the otherwise cylindricalsurfaces of the electrodes. By so shaping the electrodes the heavycurrents above mentioned can be used and will heat the specimen totemperatures up to 2300C. or 2500 C. and sometimes higher.

Referring now to Figure 6 the electrodes 40 and 40a are firmly grippedby the arms 4| and Me. As shown in Figure 6 in the case of the arm 4|there is an outer portion 290 which is separated from an inner portion291 of the arm 4] by means of a slot 292. The portion 290 has asemi-cylindrical surface 293 and the portion .29I has .asemi-cylindrical surface 294. These surfaces are drawn against theelectrodes 40 by means of bolts 295 which draw together the portions 290and .29I thus clamping the electrodes.

The arms 41 and Ma respectively are preferably made of aluminum whichhas high current carrying capacity and is light. To operate theapparatus, the various mold This valve I I9 will. when there is nopressure parts are placed in the cavity block 3| and then the threads ofthe screw plug 265 are coated with a mixture of graphite and glyce'rine.The bottom of the plug 265 is likewise coated and a layer of lead isplaced on the coating. The screwplug 265 is then tightened with apowerful wrench.

The specimen ram 39, annular piece of steel 245, block 246, andauxiliary ram head 243 are then removed so that the ram head 240 is thetop part of the movable elements of the press. The cavity block 3| isnow placed upon the ram head 240, base down and plug 265 on top, andcarefully centered. The exterior conical surface 260 of the cavity block3| is now painted with graphite and glycerine, a large sheet of leadfoil is wound upon it and carefully trimmed, and a second application ofgraphite and glycerine is made over the lead foil.

One of the tanks 8I and 82 has been established as a pressure tank andcontains oil and air under pressure. The switch I99 is now closed andthis moves upwardly the auxiliary ram 38 (its head 243 has been removedas noted). The ram 38 carries the cavity block 3| into the conical holein the plates with light pressure. The cavity block is now secured inplace so that it will not drop down when the auxiliary ram 38 islowered, as follows.

Referring now to Figure 1, a long bolt 300 extends through a centrallylocated hole in a plate 30I which fits in an annular seat 302 in a largehole in the cap 24 of the press. The plate 30I .is first put in positionand then the bolt 300 is dropped through the hole and screwed into athreaded hole 305 in the head 266 of the plug 265. The bolt 300 can notdrop because its head is larger than the hole in the plate 30I. The bolt300 is tightened to hold the cavity block in place and then theauxiliary ram 38 is lowered by opening the switch I99.

Now the parts that were removed are replaced so that the assembly is asshown in Figure 8. It is assumed that the tank 14 contains some oil anda pressure of about 40 pounds was established therein. The arms 41 and41a are set in open position which is done by opening the switch 203.Now the split blocks 46 and .4611 are set on to of the ram head 240 andin the arcuate portions of the arms 41 and 41a as shown in Figure 10.Now the valve I24, which is a needle valve, is opened slightly and thisvery slowly moves u .in the cylinder II9b remain in neutral positionwith both the poppet valves I51 and I58 closed.

The valve I24 having been closed, the compressor 55 is now operated withthe valves 6|,

6.9., and TI closed and the valve 72 open to raisethe pressure in thetank 14 to around 200 pounds. Referring now to the top of Figure. 14 atthe left, .a valve 309 is now opened (the valve 65 being closed) andfluid from the tank I4 fills the accumulator piston Ill and accumulatorcylinder II6 raisingfthe accumulator piston I0 to theposition shown inFigure 14. The tank I4 may .nowbe assumed to be nearly empty of oil andthe valve I5 is now open to let the air'out of the tank 14. This valve'I'J'is left open.

It has ah'eady been stated that one .ofth tanks. 8| and 82 has beenunder pressure. The pressure used is of the order of 150 pounds whichmay be established directly .fromthe compressor 55. At sometime the tank62 is brought to the desired pressure. The valve ll having been closed,the valves 65, 69, and I2 are likewise closed and the valve BI isopened. Now the compressor .55 is used to raise the pressure in the tank62 to the desired amount, for ex ample, 85 pounds. The valves 309, (iiand 69 are now closed and the valve 65 is opened. This places the pistonI0 under the full pressure of the tank 62, but nothing happens becausefluid can not exhaust through the pipe Il8 as outlets are blocked byvalve I51, check valve I23 andvalve I24. Nevertheless, the system is nowset so that whenever the solenoid I 25 is actuated the valve 94 admits apressure of about pounds to the pipe I21 into the cylinder II9b whichmoves the piston I I9a to open the valve I51 which permits the very highpressure from the accumulator 6'! to pass through .the main valve II9into pipe I20 and .thus into the main cylinder I2I raising the main ram31.

The arm I5I is now blocked on the right hand side so that it can notmove beyond the neutral position. This in practice is done with a pieceof steel jammed between the arm I5I and an abutment, and in suchposition that when the arm I5I moves to the left the piece of steelsimply falls to the floor. The trip switch 5| is then placed in the offposition and the switches l32 and I48 are closed. This energizes thesolenoid I29= -and opens the valve 94 to admit pressure through the pipeI28 but nothing happens be cause thepiston I I9a can not move. Now,when"- ever the trip switch 5I is closed,'the solenoid 126* will be de-energized and 'the solenoid I25 between the electrodes 40 and 40a andone of theswitches 201, 299 is manipulated to open thecir'cuit and causethe unit 43 to contract 29d in the specimen 29.

part way into the mold liner 2'55,

ram 31 pushes the specimen 2!! the rest of the.

. 13 thus bringing the electrodes 4!) and 40a together with the contactpoints Migripping the specimen. When this has been done the trip switch2B9is set in open position while the handswitch 201 is closed. Now'whenever the trip switch 209 is closed the electrodes 4!] and ita willfly apart, but in the meanwhile they press against the specimen. Thetrip switch'289 will be operated by an arm 3H1 which is part of thecentering plate 241. Thetrip switch 209 is carried by the portion 290 ofthe electrode arm M as shown in Figures 1 and 6. I'he switch 263 is nowclosed, having'pre' viously been open. This energi'zes'the' solenoid 186which moves the valvefifi to admit fluid through the pipe 225 tocontract the piston and cylinder unit E8. This causes the arms ii and41a to come together until the split blocks't'a' and 46a strike theauxiliary ram head 243 which stops further action. The switch 283 isleft closed with the split blocks hugging the head so that when the head2G3 has risen above the level of the split blocks it and Mia theywillsud denlymove inwardly enclosing the ram 38 and forming a supportbetween the main ram head 24.0 and the auxiliary ram head 243. It may benoted that the friction of the head 243 on the blocks 46 and Mia willnot raise them because there is an equal friction of the blocks againstthearms M and Ma and the dead weight of the blocksprevails. 1 The presswill now fire whenever the switch 1&9 is closed. But before that isdone, the specimen 29 is heated. The main heating current is nowdirectedthrough the bus bars @Ib, die, .thearms ii and Ma and. the electrodes atand 40a and through the specimen 29.. Energy up to 75 kilowatts may beused and the specimen soon becomes very hot. It is preferably watchedwith an optical pyrometer and when the desired temperature has beenreached, for example 2500 C., the current through the electrodes 66 and48a is shut off and immediately the switch I99 is closed.

The rest of the operation is automatic and takes place in a short time,that is in less than seconds. Closing of the switch I 39 admits fluid tothe pipe 229 and cylinder 31a and starts the ram 53 upwardly. The arm.3H] closes the trip switch 269 just as the refractory piece 25I on thespecimen ram (iii engages the specimen 29. -The cone 253 enters aconical depression The solenoid I-S'Iis energizedby the closing of theswitch 269 which expands the unit @3- separating the electrodes 40 and46a. A little later the blocks &6 and 16a -rnove under the head 2%and-just before they come to rest, the rod 52 closes the trip switch 5!which causes the release of the great pressure in the accumulator E'I-through valve H9 into the main ram cylinder ii2l.

The auxiliary ram 33 pushes the specimen The main way, the specimenfinally coming to rest in the .refractory'liner 2M and againsttherefractory plate 2l3. With the specimen ,fully in thev mold thepressurebuilds up practically instantaneousj 1y.to 30,000 atmospheresif'thetankfiZ contained pounds of pressure; There the hot specimen continuesto remain under this high pressure as long as desired, ten minutes beingthe usual period of. high pressure. The. plate 273 usually.

breaks andthe refractoryliner sleeve 214 may break'but this is of nomoment since the pieces serve as heat insulators. 5 When the specimen isdeemed to have cooled so much that the pressing might as well bediscontinued, the valve 65 is closed and the valve 309 is opened. Nowthe switch I48 is opened which de-energizes the relay I29 and thesolenoid I25 and energizes the solenoid I26. This causes the piston IIQa to move to the right closing valve I51 and opening valve I58 whichallows the fluid in the cylinder IZI to exhaust via pipe I2II-throughvalve I I9 and out pipe I22 into the expansion tank I4. The main ram 31now drops carrying withit the ram headZMLauxiliary ram 38, auxil-i iaryram head 243, hollow cylinder 245, block 24B, and centering plate 241.Sometimes the specimen ram 39 moves downwardly-with the main ram 3'! butsometimes it sticks in the mold.

'It now remains to-remove the cavity block 3I from the plates 3!) andopen the mold. The ram parts including and above the head 243 are nowremoved and the auxiliary ram 38 is moved up.- wardly by closing theswitch I99 (it was opened right after the full pressure was applied).The bolt 300 is now removed and the switch I39 is now opened again toallow the auxiliary ram 38 to move downwardly. The cavity block 3| comesdown with it due to the use of the glycerine, graphite and lead foil.The cavity block is now removed from the press, is placed in a holdingjigyand theplug 265 is unscrewed with a large wrench applied to the head26 6. The rest of the mold parts may be removed'with a small hydraulicpress or in like manner.

The specimens operated upon were, in many cases, gra hite blocks, ithaving been desired to ascertain the effect of the simultaneousapplication of great heat and high pressure on graphite. In some casesthe specimens were diamonds which were embedded in graphite in order topro vide blocks of the desired size and shape. Information was desiredas to the thermal-pressure conditions under which the transformationfrom diamond to graphite would occur and the thermal-pressure conditionsunder which the transformation would not occur. Countless othermaterials can be studied with the apparatus of this invention and inmany cases permanent changes of density can be achieved therewith.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided by this invention amethod and an apparatus in which the various objects hereinabove setforth together with many thoroughly practical advantages aresuccessfully achieved.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the mechanical featuresof the above invention and as the art herein described might be variedin various parts, all without departing "from the scope of theinvention, it is to be understood that all matterhereinbefore' set forthor shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense. y

We claim: a I 1. In apparatus of the class described, a main highpressure ram, an auxiliary ram in said main ram, .a head on saidauxiliary ram,. blocks oi a size tofit under said'head and upon saidmain mm a m re u e r tly from. t main am to t h t ux li r am! and m ntomove said blocks in a direction atrightangles .to the direction ofmovement of said main ram under said headwhen said head rises.

ram, a head on said auxiliary ram, blocksof a size to fit under saidhead and upon said main ram to transmit pressure directly from said mainram to the head of said auxiliary ram, arms positioned to move saidblocks in a direction at right angles to the movement of said main ram,and fluid pressure means to move said arms to place said blocks undersaid head when said head rises.

3. In apparatus of the class described, a pair of electrodes, a mainhigh pressure ram, an auxiliary ram in said main ram, a head on saidauxiliary ram located outside of said main high pressure ram, blocks ofa size to fit under said head and upon said main ram to transmitpressure directly from the main ram to the head of the auxiliary ram,means to move said blocks under said head when said head rises, aspecimen ram carried by said head to pick up a specimen held betweensaid electrodes, and automatic means to separate said electrodes whensaid specimen ram contacts said specimen, whereby to heat 7 thespecimen, move it upwardly, and then to move it further with a forcederived from said main high pressure ram.

4. In apparatus of the class described, a hydraulic press including amain ram, an auxiliary ram in said main ram, said auxiliary ram beingmovably mounted in said main ram, a head on said auxiliary ram, a platehaving a tapered hole mounted on the press above the rams, a cavityblock with a tapered outer surface fitting in said hole, the greatestdiameter of the hole and the taperbeing on'the under side, a taperedholein the cavity block with the greatest diameter on the upper side, a plugblocking the upper side of the hole in the cavity block, a specimen ramcarried by the head of the auxiliary ram, to be placed in the hole inthe cavity block and pressed therein by said rams, a pair of blocks, andmeans to move said blocks, between the main ram and the head of theauxiliary ram when the head rises.

5. In apparatus of the class described, a hydraulic press including amain ram, an auxiliary ram in said main ram, said auxiliary ram beingmovably mounted in said main ram, a head on said auxiliary ram, a platehaving a tapered hole mounted on the press above the rams, a cavityblock with a tapered outer surface fitting in said hole, the greatestdiameter of the hole and the taper being on the under side, a taperedhole in the cavity block with the greatest diameter on the upper side, aplug blocking the upper side of the hole in the cavity block, a specimenram carried by the head of the auxiliary ram, to be placed in the holein the cavity block and pressed therein by said rams, a source ofpressure for the main ram,-a pair of blocks, means to move said blocksbetween the main ram-and the head of the auxiliary ram when head rises,and means actuated by the means to move the blocks for applying thepressure to the main ram. v 6. In apparatus of the class described, amai large area ram, a source of very high pressure fluid which can beconnected to operate said main ram, an auxiliary small area ram, asource of relatively low pressure fluid which can be connected tooperate said auxiliary ram, said auxiliary ram fitting in a cylindricalbore in said main ram, a head on said auxiliary ram,.block meansinterposable between-the under side of said head and said main ram tosupport saidhead from said main ram, and means to move the block meansat right angles to the direction of movement of said main ram thus tointerpose it between the 16 whereby to move said head a considerabledis:v tance at low force by said auxiliary ram and then, apply greatforce to said head by said main ram,

'7. In apparatus as claimed in claim 6, the com bination with the partsand features therein specified, of a mold and a specimen ram, the latterfitting in the former and one of the molds and the specimen ram beingmounted on the head, whereby to apply pressure derived from the greatforce in the mold.

8. In apparatus as claimed in claim 6, the combination with the partsand features therein specified, of a mold and a specimen ram, the lat-'ter fitting in the former, and the area of the mold and of the specimenram being less than that of the head, one of the molds and the specimenram being mounted in the head, whereby to apply pressure derived fromthe great force in the mold said pressure being magnified from the forcedue to the difference in areas.

9. In apparatus of the class described, a press, a main ram of largediameter in said press, an auxiliary ram movable in a bore in the mainmm, a block, a head on the auxiliary ram, means to move said blockbetween the main ram and the head to support the head from the main ramafter the auxiliary ram has moved, a mold and a specimen ram, one ofsaid last two parts being carried by the head and the other beingsecured to the press, a pair of heating electrodes movably mounted onsaid press and positioned to heat a specimen when it is between thespecimen ram and the mold, and means to separate the electrodes to allowthe auxiliary ram to move the specimen ram and the mold relativelytowards each other carrying the specimen into the mold, the movement ofthe head by the auxiliary ram allowing the block to move so that themain ram may exert the pressure.

10. Apparatus for applying heat of the order of 2000 C. to a specimenand then subjecting it to a pressure of the order of 20,000 atmospheres,comprising a ram, a pair of heating electrodes for heating the specimenelectrically, a pair of arms movable to place said electrodes in contactwith the specimen and to remove them from it, connections between saidarms so that they will move synchronously, fluid pressure means foractuating said arms, insulation for said arms, flexible bus barsconveying electric current to said arms, a valve to admit fluid to saidfluid pressure means, a solenoid to operate said valve, and a tripswitch operated by said ram to cause separation of said electrodes whensaid ram moves.

11. Apparatus of the class described comprising a main ram, a cylindercontaining said ram, an auxiliary ram, a cylinder containing said ramsaid cylinder being located concentrically in said main ram so that saidauxiliary ram will move along the axis of said main ram, a mold intowhich a specimen is inserted by said auxiliary ram and placed undergreat pressure by said main ram, an auxiliary ram head removablyfastened to said auxiliary ram, a centering ring on said auxiliary ramhead, a heavy removable annular piece of metal on said ram head andcentered-by said ring, a removable cylindrical block in'said annularpiece of metal, a removable centering plate. on said annular piece andsaid removable cylindrical block, a specimen ram removably mounted onsaid cylindrical block and located by said centering plate and of a sizeto fit said mold, a pair of blocks interposable between said ram headand said main ram, and a pair of arms movblocks interposable betweensaid main ram and the head of said auxiliary ram to allow directapplication ,of high pressure by said main ram to the specimen in themold with little movement;

by said main ram, means to place said blocks in the position specified,a pair of electrodes,'arms movable to hold said electrodes adjacent eachother holding a specimen between them just above the auxiliary rambefor'e it moves, and means actuated by the movement of the auxiliaryram to move said arms apart to separate said electrodes to free thespecimen so that it can be carried into said mold by said auxiliary ram.13. Apparatus of the class described comprising a press base, a highpressure hydraulic ram in saidbase, a cylinder in said high pressurehydraulic ram, an auxiliary hydraulic ram in said cylinder. a head onsaid auxiliary ram, a press cap, columns holding said base and said capto.-

' gether, a mold secured under said cap into which a, specimen may beinserted and subjected to pressure, means for heating the specimen to ahigh temperature consisting of a pair of elec-i; trodes between whichthe specimen is gripped and heated, means for, raising the heated"specimen from between the electrodes and rapidly introa ducing it intosaid mold where it is placed under high, pressure comprising a specimenram mounted upon said auxiliary ram said specimen ram being shaped tofit tightly into the bottom of the mold, blocks insertable between saidhigh pres-1 sure ram and the head of said auxiliary ram, means formoving said electrodes apart for clear passage of said specimen ram, andmeans automatically placing said blocks between the high pressure ramand the head of the specimen ram when the auxiliary ram has risen highenough to permit same to be done.

14. In apparatus of the class described, a hydraulic press including amain ram, an auxiliary ram mounted in said main ram, a head on saidauxiliary ram, a pair of electrodes, a pair of electrode supporting armsto move said pair of elec trodes together and apart, a pair of blocks, apair of arms to set in place said pair of blocks between ,the main ramand the head of'the auxiliary ram to transfer high pressure exerted bysaid m'ain ram directly through said head to a specimen in a: mold, ahard block upon the head of the auxiliary ram, a specimen ram removablymounted upon the last named block, and'fluid" pressure means to moveboth of said pairs of arms.

15. In apparatus of the class described, a main ram, an auxiliary rammounted in said main ram movable parallel thereto, high fluid pressuremeans to operate said main ram, low fluid pressure means to operate saidauxiliary ram, a plate having a tapered hole secured in position abovesaid rams, a cavity block with a tapered outer surface fitting in saidhole, the greatest diameter ofthe hole and of the taper being on theunderside, a tapered hole in the cavity block with the greatest diameteron the upper side, a plug blocking the upper side of the hole in thecavity block, a,;,r nold in the tapered hole in the cavity block, apecimen rain mounted upon said auxiliary r 18 and shaped to fit tightlyin said mold, said auxiliary ram being operable to raise said specimenram to insert a specimen rapidly into said mold, means rapidly to locksaid auxiliary ram to said main ram when the former has moved a certaindistance, and automatic means to cause said high fluid pressure means tooperate said main ram immediately said auxiliary ram is locked to saidmain ram.

16. In apparatus of the class described, a main ram, an auxiliary rammounted in said main ram movable p'arallel thereto, high fluid pressuremeans .to operate said main ram, low fluid pressure means to operatesaid auxiliary ram, a mold,

a specimen ram mounted upon said auxiliary ram and shaped to fit tightlyin said mold, said auxil-j iary ram being operable to raise saidspecimen .ram to insert-a specimen rapidly into said mold, a'

head on said-auxiliaryram, a pair of blocks slidable across the workingface of said main ram under said head said blocks being shaped to fitclosely to said auxiliary ram said head and said blocks constitutingmeans rapidly to lock said auxiliary ram to said main ram when theformer has moved a certain distance, and automatic means to operate saidmain ram immediately said auxiliary ram is locked to said main ram.17.-In apparatus of the class described, a ram movable in a givendirection, a pair of heating electrodes to heat a specimen, a pair ofconductive supports upon which said electrodes are mounted the supportsbeing movable in a plane perpendicular to said given direction to causethe electrodes to approach and separate, means for insulating saidsupports, flexible bus bars to convey electric current through saidsupports to said electrodes, means toactuate said supports, and meansoperated by said ram to cause the means to move the supports to separatethe electrodes.

18. Apparatus of the class described comprising a hydraulic press, meansincluding electrodes associated with said press for heating a specimento .a high temperature said electrodes being mounted for movement towardand away from each other to heatsaid specimen and then to release it, apress cylinder, a main ram in said press cylinder, a cylinder formed inthe main ram, an auxiliary ram in said last named cylinder, a head onsaid auxiliary ram, a flexible fluid pressure line connected to the mainram, and connections in said main ram from the flexible fluid pressureline to the cylinder in said main ram.

thereof, a cavity block for said mold having a tapered outer surfacetapering in the direction in which said rams move, and a supportingelement for said cavity block having a tapered inner surface fitting thetapered outer surface of said cavity block.

20. Apparatus of the class described comprising a hydraulic press havingamain ram, electrode means for heating a specimen to high tem--,peratures by passing electric current there- "through, a mold in saidpress in which said'speci- 1.9 .m niis pla iun e ishp u e' byis 'df r s'means ,to place. saidfiieated "specimen rapidly into said mold fortheppurpose cf exerting high-pres sure upon it comprising an auxiliary"hydraulic raml additional to said main ram "associated with said presswhich "lifts said heated specimen rapidly into said mold,fluidpressure:means-for actuating said auxiliary ram, -means responsiveto movement oflsaidlauxiliary ram by the fluid pressure means :thereforto move "the electrode means away from the specimen, i-further gmeansoperated afterlsaid auxiliary'ram has movedfor coupling" the auxiliary:ram-to the main ram and fiuid pressuremeansto operate the main ramafter the auxiliary ram-is coupled-theretowhereby to exert high pressureon-thejheated'specimen in the mold.

"2.1. Apparatus of the class described comprising a hydraulic presshaving a mainram, electrode means. for heating a specimen'to' hightemperatures by passing electric current therethrough,.,a cavityblock insaid "press, a mold in said cavity block in which'said specimen isplaced under high pressure, insulation in said mo'ldfor insulating saidcavity blockfrom the heat of said heated specimen, a specimen ram-shapedto fit tightly in said mold, an auxiliary ram additional to said mainram-for moving said specimen into said mold, said specimen ram beingattached to said auxiliaryram and said auxiliary ram being locatedingsaid main ram,:fiuid pressure means to actuatesaidauxiliaryram,-means responsive to movement of saidauxiliary ram' bythefiuid-pressure means therefortomovethe electrode means away fromthe-specimen,-further'means operated after said auxiliary-ramihasmoved-for coupling the auxiliary ram to the :main'cram, and fluidpressure vmeans to operate the gmain ram after the auxiliary ram'iscoupled thereto-whereby to exert high pressure on *theheated specimen inthe mold.

22. Apparatus of the class described comprising a hydraulic pressincluding -a mold, means associated with-said press for-heatin 'aspecimen to high temperatures comprisinga pair of electrodes which gripsaid-specimen between them,-a pair of electrically conductive -membersupon which said electrodes-aremounted-movab1e to move'saidelectrodestogether and apart, means to conduct electric currentthroughsaid members to said electrodes, fluid pressure -means "foractuating saidmemberaa valve to admit fluid to said-'fluid-pressuremeans, a solenoid to operate said valve, electric switches to*operate'said'solenoid, andmeans for rapidly transferring a heatedspecimen from between said electrodes into the mold where pressure is aplied upon it by said press.

23. Apparatus of the class described comprising'a hydraulicpress-meansassociated'with said press 'for heating a specimen to hightemperatures comprising a pair (ifeI'ectrodes -a'main rain of saidpress, an auxiliary ram movable as an esteem 20 extension of "the mainram "to place the heated specimen in a mold, a head on said auxiliaryram, apair cf'bfllocks 'interposable "between the surface of said mainram and the head of said auxiliary ram '-to -form 'a rigid 'metal columnbetween said main-ram:andsaid'specimen, a pair of arms upon which saidelectrodes are mounted/which are movable to bring said electrodestogether and apart a pairof arms movable to place'said blocks betweensaid-main ram and said auxiliary ram headya'mounting to secure both ofsaid pair of arms to'said press ,at-their'axes of movement-con sistingof a pair of metal columns-mounted parallel'to'each'other and to theaxesof said main ram; and said auxiliary ram. 4 :24. Apparatus of the classdescribed comprising a hydraulic 1 press, a main :ram, an auxiliary rammounted to move as an extension of the main'ram for rapidly lifting aspecimen into a mold, a head on said auxiliary ram, a pair 'o'f blocksinterposable' between-the face of said main ram-and the head ofsaidauxiliary ram to form a'rigid metal column between said main ram andsaid specimen so that pressure may be exerted upon it-in said moldby-said main ram, means for placing said blocks consisting of a pair ofarms movable to slide said blocks together in place, means forconnecting said arms so that they will move'synchronously consisting ofa pair of gears one of which is mounted upon each of saidarms at theaxis of its-turning point so that said gears will mesh together and oneof which is adjustably mounted upon-its arm.

25. Apparatus of 'theclass described comprising "an hydraulic-press,means associated with said-press ,for'heating a specimen to hightemperatures "comprising a pair of heating electrodes, a pairof'electrode supporting arms each ofwhich is pivotally connected tothepress said arms being movable to bringsaid electrodes 'together andapart, and means for connecting said arms so that'they will move"synchronously comprising a pair of gears one of which is mounted uponeach of saidarms.

UNITED STATES .PAIENIS

